Continuous casting mould

ABSTRACT

An improved compound, disassemble, mould, for the continuous vertical casting of metals, of the type having an internal annular chamber divided into concentric annular parts for coolant dispersal. The structure provides a separate band-like septum divider and a water dispersing skirt having internal supports to prevent differential change in water dispersal upon thermally caused changes in the mould configuration. One water supply system disclosed enters from only one end of the mould with aid of corner deflectors. The improvements may be embodied in either bottom or side opening moulds.

United States Patent Wagstaff et al. 1 May 30, 1972 1 CONTINUOUS CASTING MOULD 2,705,353 4/1955 Ziegler ..164/89 2,424 640 7/ 1947 Spooner... 164/283 [72] Inventors: Frank E. Wagstaff; William G. Wagslaff;

- Paul May, an of Spokane wash 3,022,522 2/1962 Tessmann ..l64/283 X [73] Assignee: Wagstafl' Machine Works, Inc., Spokane, Primary Examiner-J. Spencer Overholser wash- Assistant Examiner-V. K. Rising Filed: y 30 Attorney-Ke1th S. Bergman [21] Appl. No.: 59,444 [57] ABSTRACT An improved compound, disassemble, mould, for the continu- [52] US. Cl ..l64/283 ous vertical casting f metals f the type having an imemal [51] Int. Cl. ..B22d 11/12 annular chamber divided into concentric anmnar parts f [58] Field Of Search 164/283 US, 83 US, 89 US coolant dispersaL The structure provides a Separate band like septum divider and a water dispersing skirt having internal [56] References Cited supports to prevent differential change in water dispersal upon UNITED STATES PATENTS thermally caused changes in the mould configuration. One water supply system disclosed enters from only one end of the 2,770,021 11/1956 Hatter, Jr. et al ..164/89 mould with aid f come; d fl The improvements may l Vosskuehler u. l be in either bottom or ide opening moulds 2,747,244 5/1956 Goss ....164/283 X 2,169,893 8/1939 Crampton et a1 ..164/283 6 Claims, 12 Drawing Figures Patented May 30, 1972 3,665,999

35 Sheets-Sheet 1.

28 27 29 GZ/Rk'z 65325 1 I I I I l I Frank E. wagstaff,

col-mam 6. wag aff FIGURE 5 p 1!. may Y INVENTORS (9' ATTORNEY Patented May 30, 1972 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 FIGURE 6 FIGURE 7 FIGURE 8 .F rank E. william G.

wags taf f INVENTORS Patented May 30, 1972 3,665,999

3 Sheets-Sheet 3 FIGURE 10 Frank E. wagstaff, william 6. ZOagsta/f 3 INVENTORS FIGURE 12 Paul 11. mag

CONTINUOUS CASTING MOULD BACKGROUND OF INVENTION RELATED APPLICATIONS There are no applications related hereto filed in this or any foreign country at this time.

1. Field of Invention This invention relates generally to the field of compound water cooled moulds for the continuous vertical casting of metal, and more particularly to such moulds having an internal coolant chamber divided by a removable septum, a water dispersing system stable under thermal stress, and a single water entrance.

2. Description of Prior Art It has heretofore been found that the continuous casting of metal in many instances produces a product superior to discrete casting and this is especially true of ingots; in response to this knowledge, various methodsof continuous casting have become known. In one method an annular, horizontally oriented peripheral mould is provided to allow the vertical passage of cast product therethrough. Such a mould must be appropriately cooled by fluid to maintain a solidification zone within its vertical extent so that liquid metal may enter the upper part of the mould and solid metal, at least solid about its formed periphery, may exit from the lower orifice. Such moulds may not have too great a vertical extent or the moulded product will not release from the mould surface; there must, therefore, be a substantial flow of coolant within the mould to maintain the solidification zone in the proper vertical position.

The common form of mould that has evolved provides a compound, two piece annular structure defining the periphery of the mould orifice with an annular .coolant chamber thereabout divided into concentric inner and outer parts by a septum formed from or attached as a structural element of one portion of the mould. The septum is provided with spaced holes to direct fluid from the outer reservoir unto the internal mould surface substantially at the solidification zone. Coolant exiting from the internal coolant chamber is directed through a band-like orifice immediately adjacent the exiting ingot to further cool the newly formed ingot surface.

A large volume of coolant is necessary for operation of the mould and this requires substantial coolant flow, reasonably uniformly distributed throughout the outer reservoir portion of the coolant chamber. The coolant employed generally is water, and commonly today, the industrial waters which are used for such purpose are polluted to some degree with dissolved, suspended, and transported material; on occasion these waters have been known to carry pollutants as large as fish and mollusks. Since the design of the mould requires that the coolant pass through relatively small orifices and since there is some substantial vaporization ancillary to the cooling process, it is necessary to periodically clean the mould structure and appropriate means must be provided for so doing.

The mould may be subjected to substantial physical stress during casting because of thermal differentials in its various parts. Normally moulds are formed from .a single piece of metal to provide a reasonably homogeneous material which to some degree eliminates thermally caused difierential stress, but the band-like orifice through which coolant is dispersed upon the ingot surface is most susceptible to such stress and if its size changes, it will provide a differential flow of coolant upon the emerging ingot to result in further thermal difference and further physical stress and motion to provide an accelerating problem.

The instant invention seeks to solve these problems: We provide a separable band-like, releasably positionable septum that may be used in either the side or bottom opening mould structure to allow simple access to both the septum and coolant chamber to permit more efficient and faster cleaning and to provide mould parts that may be more simply and economically machined in formation. The cross section of our mould structure is beam-like to provide a more rigid body to withstand the stresses imposed upon it. We provide a coolant input system entering the mould from only one end with veinlike deflectors to aid water flow to create a simpler mould construction with lower cost, simpler installation and servicing.

We provide an improved dispersal channel with plural holes communicating from the inner coolant chamber through the mould body to an annular slot immediately adjacent the exiting moulded product rather than a continuous slot exiting from the inner coolant chamber as was common in the moulds heretofore existing. This feature provides additional support and rigidity in the dispersal channel to prevent or substantially lessen changes in the size of the orifice caused by differential thermal conditions and also provides greater physical rigidity for the entire mould.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION Our mould is of annular shape providing an internal mould ing surface defining the periphery of an object to be moulded and having some outward extension to define an annular coolant chamber outwardly adjacent the mould surface. The lowermost inwardly facing portion of the mould is provided with a plurality of spaced angularly orientated holes communicating from the coolant chamber outwardly to a skirted slot to direct flow therethrough upon the surface of an exiting moulded product. The mould is formed of two cooperating elements releasably joined to allow access to the coolant chamber.

Spaced annular septum shoulders are provided in the coolant chamber to accept a vertically orientated band-like septum dividing the coolant chamber into concentric inner and outer annular chambers. The septum is provided with means for releasable positioning about the septum shoulders. Plural spaced holes in the septum direct flow therethrough upon the internal mould wall at the zone of metal solidification.

An externally communicating orifice is provided in the medial part of one end of the mould to allow input of liquid coolant. Vertically orientated diverting veins are provided at the lateral portions of the input end of the coolant chamber to divert coolant along the sides of the mould and maintain substantially equal pressure throughout the outer coolant chamber.

In providing such a mechanism it is:

A principal object of our invention to create a compound annular, continuous casting mould, of either side or bottom opening type, that has a removable band-like septum releasably positionable to divide the internal coolant chamber into concentric inner 'and outer annular parts to facilitate cleaning and formation.

A further object of our invention to provide a water supply system for such a mould having an input orifice in the medial portion of one end with diverting veins in the lateral part of that end to maintain substantially equal pressure throughout the outer coolant chamber with substantial flow of water.

A still further object of our invention to provide such a mould with a plurality of spaced holes communicating from the inner coolant chamber externally through the mould to disperse exiting coolant upon the emerging cast product to provide a coolant system that is physically rigid and less subject to configurational change in response to thermal stress.

A still further object of our invention to provide a mould that is of new and novel design, of rugged and durable nature, of simple and economic manufacture, and one otherwise well adapted to the uses and purposes for which it is intended.

Other and further objects of our invention will appear from the following specification and accompanying drawings which form a part of this application. In carrying out the objects of our invention, however, it is to be remembered that its essential features are susceptible to changes in design and structural arrangement with only one preferred and practical embodiment being illustrated in the accompanying drawings as required. 7

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS In the accompanying drawings which form a part of this application and wherein like numbers of reference refer to similar parts throughout:

FIG. 1 is an isometric surface view of a typical bottom opening vertical casting mould.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross sectional view of the mould of FIG. 1 (with the bottom element removed) taken on the line 2-2 in the direction indicated by the arrows thereon to show our removable septum in place in the mould.

FIG. 3 is a similar cross-sectional view taken on the line 3- 3 of FIG. 1 in the direction indicated by the arrows thereon to show the coolant input structure.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 1 taken on the line 4-4 in the direction indicated by the arrows thereon to show coolant in place in and being dispersed from the coolant chamber.

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of the band-like septum that defines the inner from the outer coolant chambers.

FIG. 6 is a partially cut-away, isometric surface view of a side opening form of vertical casting mould embodying our invention.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross sectional view through the input portion of the mould of FIG. 6 taken on the line 7-7 in the direction indicated by the arrows thereon.

FIG. 8 is a similar cross sectional view through the side portion of the mould of FIG. 6 taken on the line 88 in the direction indicated by the arrows thereon.

FIG. 9 is a partial isometric view of one means of releasably joining the adjacent end parts of the side element of the mould of FIG. 6.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged isometric view of one form of releasable joining means connecting the adjacent ends of the septum of our invention.

FIG. 1 l is a partially cut-away isometric view of the bottom element of the mould of FIG. 1, showing the elements configuration and the positioning of deflecting veins thereon.

FIG. 12 is an enlarged isometric view of a deflecting vein of FIG. 10 showing its configuration and construction in more detail.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The bottom opening mould structure of FIGS. 1 et seq., comprises top element 15 and bottom element 16 joined by fastening means 17 to define internal coolant chamber 18 divided into outer reservoir chamber and inner dispersal chamber by septum 19.

Top element 15 provides annular body 22 defining the internal mould periphery by surface and providing structurally communicating supportive lip 21. The body is machined to define internal coolant chamber 18 which is subdivided at septum should 24 by septum 19 into inner dispersal chamber 25 and outer reservoir chamber 26. Dispersal orifices 27 in the form of angularly disposed spaced holes communicate at an angle from the dispersal chamber through the lower inner portion of the mould to disperse coolant upon the surface of exiting moulded product immediately adjacent and below skirt 28. Plural spaced holes 29 are provided in the lower surface of top element 15, accept fasteners 17 to releasably join the bottom element thereto.

Bottom element 16 is the flat annular structure of FIG. 11 configured to enclose the mould bottom and having plural holes 30 cooperating with holes 29 in the top element to allow fastening means 17 to extend therebetween and releasably maintain bottom and top elements in proper operative position.

Inner surface 31 of bottom element 16 is milled at an angle and dimensioned to provide, in cooperation with skirt 28 of the top element, an orifice 32 in the configuration of a bandlike slot of annular shape through which water may be dispersed in uniform fashion upon the exiting cast product, all as shown particularly in FIG. 4.

Fasteners 17 communicating between top and bottom mould elements in the instance illustrated constitute bolts. Undoubtedly pins engaged in the holes would serve a similar purpose and other releasable fasteners might be used.

Commonly in the mould structures existing before our invention, the septum dividing the coolant chamber was formed as an integral part of, or structurally joined to, one of the mould elements--commonly the bottom element. In the form of mould illustrated in FIG. 1, et seq., septum 19 is a separate, relatively thin band-like element 49 of width sufficient to fit between septum shoulders 24 and of length appropriate to fasten in an annular fashion about the septum shoulders with opposed ends 50 abutting to cooperate with the body to define the inner water dispersal chamber inwardly thereof.

Plural spaced holes 57 are provided in linear array in the septum to cause fluid passing therethrough to be dispersed in the upper portion of inner dispersal chamber 25 essentially at the zone of solidification of metal being cast in the mould according to principals heretofore known in the art. The size, configuration and positioning of holes 57 may be varied, if necessary, to provide a substantially uniform flow of water to the dispersal chamber through all parts of the septum notwithstanding differential pressures in the reservoir chamber. Preferably the septum is formed from some structurally rigid, reasonably flexible metal. If it be desired to form a septum from metal that is not flexible enough to allow installation as a continuous band, it may be formed in two similar halves (not shown), each half being joined to the other by means of some releasable fastening device. One form of such a fastening device is illustrated in FIG. 5. Here inner catch arm 51 is pivotable about pin 52 to communicate in its end part with pin 53 of outer catch arm 54 which has its other end pivoted to the opposite end of the septum by pin 55. This type of device provides some mechanical leverage by tightening and normally allows sufficient slack to remove the septum as desired. A species of this type of fastener providing some adjustability is illustrated in FIG. 10. Here arm 54a is compounded of two adjustably related elements.

A side opening form of mould embodying our invention is seen in the illustrations of FIG. 6, et seq., where annular body element 34 defines the inside of coolant chamber 18, and cooperates with side element 37 to completely define the chamber.

The body element provides inner peripheral mould surface 20 again defining the periphery of the product to be cast. Bottom element 39 and top element 40 extend outwardly to define an annulus with a U shaped beam-like cross-sectional configuration. The medial outer surface of body element 34 defines the inner surface of inner dispersal chamber 25 terminating in spaced opposed annular septum shoulders 24 adapted to cooperate with the septum to define the dispersal chamber. Outward of septum shoulder 24 is annular outer reservoir chamber 26 defined between the septum and paired opposed side shoulders 44 and configured to receive side element 37 which forms a closure about the reservoir chamber. Gasket grooves 45 are provided in side shoulders 44 to receive ring-type gaskets 46 to form a fluid-tight seal between adjacent surfaces of side shoulders and side element.

Plural spaced water dispersal holes 47 communicate from inner dispersal chamber 25 at an angle, as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, to disperse their output directly upon the emerging surface of a cast product. Preferably a slight chamfer 48 is provided about the lower inner peripheral surface of the body element to aid the emergence of the cast product and allow access of coolant thereto in a fashion similar to the band-like orifice 32 of the specie of FIG. 4. This body element again is generally machined from a single piece of metal to provide homogeneity. It is to be noted that the outer surface of the body element might be formed by an appropriately shaped cutter in one properly orientated pass if desired. The machining of such a surface is much simpler by production methods than the machining required for prior moulds having the integrally formed septum.

Side element 37 is a continuous band 58 of width appropriate to extend between opposed side shoulders 44 and of a length appropriate to extend around the periphery of the shoulders to form the annular outside element of the mould and define the outer surface of the water chamber. If band 58 be of sufficiently flexible material, it may be formed in one piece, but more commonly it is of a rigid nature that requires formation in two pieces with the opposed ends releasably joined. Preferably the opposed ends are joined, with interposed gaskets 59, by releasable fasteners 60, in this instance bolts and brackets. The particular means of fastening obviously is not critical so long as the band may be releasably joined and maintained in water tight adjacency. The side band in this form of mould contributes little to the physical strength or rigidity of the mould per se.

Some means of coolant input must be provided to the coolant chamber. In either form of device, orifice 61 communicates in a medial position in one end through the outer surface of the mould either directly or indirectly through manifold leader chamber 65 to reservoir chamber 26. Orifice 61 preferably provides some fixture 62 which allows releasable connection to an external source of coolant supply (not shown). The opposed lateral portions of the mould end having input orifice 61 carries upwardly extending diverting elements 41 extending vertically into and substantially through the lateral medial part of the reservoir portion of the coolant chamber. Each element 41 is an elongate structure having threaded portion 43 releasably positionable in the mould structure to properly orient the device, body portion 63 to aid manipulation of the structure, and rectangular diverting vane 64. The diverting element is positioned in the mould body and the particular orientation of diverting vane 64 modified as desired to obtain a substantially equal water pressure throughout the annular reservoir section of the water chamber. The diverting elements are normally orientated substantially in the direction of the flow of fluid thereby but with some slight outward angle; the exact positioning must be empirically determined. Additional diverting elements may be added in the reservoir chamber if required.

From the foregoing description of the structure of our invention, its operation is quite obvious. The structure is formed according to the foregoing specifications and assembled as illustrated with the removable septum in place to divide the water chamber into adjacent reservoir and dispersal sections. The mould is appropriately positioned, water supplied to it, and casting carried out in the normal fashion. When it becomes necessary to clean the mould it may be disassembled by removing the bottom portion of the device of FIG. 1, or the side portion of the device of FIG. 6, and thereafter removing the band-like septum so that access may be had to the entirety of the water chamber and the septum may be removed for similar simple access. When cleaned, the whole may then be reassembled in similar fashion for continued operation.

It is to be particularly noted that our invention is quite simply supplied with coolant, readily detachable from its source of coolant supply, and readily assembliable and disassembliable to keep shut down time during cleaning operations at a minimum.

It is further to be noted that in the channel dispersing water from the dispersal chamber, there is some supporting structure so that the orifice through which the water passes does not readily change size in response to differential thermal change in the mould structure.

The foregoing description of our invention is necessarily of a detailed nature so that a specific embodiment of it might be set forth as required but it is to be understood that various modifications of detail, rearrangement and multiplication of parts may be resorted to without departing from its spirit, essence, or scope.

Having thusly described our invention, what we desire to protect by Letters Patent, and

What we claim is:

l. A compound liquid cooled mould for vertical continuous casting, comprising in combination:

an annular body having a vertical inner surface defining the periphery of an ingot to be cast with outwardly extending upper and lower elements partially defining a water chamber, the upper and lower elements having,

spaced, parallel, annular septum shoulders formed in the opposed top and bottom elements and spaced parallel annular side shoulders formed in the opposed top and bottom elements outwardly of the septum shoulders;

a band-like septum, having means of releasably fastening its ends in adjacency after placement, extending about the septum shoulders to define an annular inner water chamber between the septum and body;

a band-like side element having means to releasably fasten its ends in adjacency, releasably positioned about the side element shoulders to define an annular outer water chamber between the septum and side element;

means of dispersing water from the inner water chamber upon an ingot exiting from the mould; and

means of supplying water to the water chamber.

2. The invention of claim 1 with a plurality of particularly arrayed orifices in the septum to allow substantially uniform water flow from outer water chamber to inner water chamber substantially at the solidification zone for metal cast within the mould.

3. The invention of claim 1 further characterized by the means of dispersing water from the inner water chamber comprising:

plural holes defined in the mould body communicating from the inner water chamber through the lower inner part of the mould body to direct flow therethrough upon an ingot exiting from the mould near its point of exit.

4. The invention of claim 1 wherein the means of supplying water to the water chamber comprise:

an input orifice, medially positioned in one end of the mould having a fixture for attachment to a source of water supply, communicating to the water chamber; and

paired, opposed, elongate diverting vane releasably and adjustably positionable in the mould body to extend vertically upward in the medial part of the outer section of the water chamber to orient water flow thereabout to tend to equalize water pressures within the outer reservoir section of the water chamber.

5. In a compound water cooled mould for continuous casting of metals, of the type having an annular water chamber divided by a perforated septum into inner and outer compartments, the invention comprising:

paired, opposed annular septum shoulders extending about the medial portion of the annular water chamber with a flexible, band-like, perforated septum extending therebetween to fit thereabout, the septum having means of releasably fastening its ends in adjacency to form a continuous annular band about the septum shoulders dividing the water chamber into two annular compartments.

6. In a compound water cooled mould for the continuous casting of metals of the type having an annular water chamber divided by a perforated septum into inner dispersing section and outer reservoir section, the invention comprising:

a coolant input communicating in the medial portion of one end of the mould to the outer reservoir section, and

at least two, releasably positionable and adjustable diverting vanes extending from the mould structure vertically upward into the reservoir section with elongate vanes to divert the flow of water thereabout to tend to equalize fluid pressures within the reservoir section. 

1. A compound liquid cooled mould for vertical continuous casting, comprising, in combination: an annular body having a vertical inner surface defining the periphery of an ingot to be cast with outwardly extending upper and lower elements partially defining a water chamber, the upper and lower elements having, spaced, parallel, annular septum shoulders formed in the opposed top and bottom elements and spaced parallel annular side shoulders formed in the opposed top and bottom elements outwardly of the septum shoulders; a band-like septum, having means of releasably fastening its ends in adjacency after placement, extending about the septum shoulders to define an annular inner water chamber between the septum and body; a band-like side element having means to releasably fasten its ends in adjacency, releasably positioned about the side element shoulders to define an annular outer water chamber between the septum and side element; means of dispersing water from the inner water chamber upon an ingot exiting from the mould; and means of supplying water to the water chamber.
 2. The invention of claim 1 with a plurality of particularly arrayed orifices in the septum to allow substantially uniform water flow from outer water chamber to inner water chamber substantially at the solidification zone for metal cast within the mould.
 3. The invention of claim 1 further characterized by the means of dispersing water from the inner water chamber comprising: plural holes defined in the mould body communicating from the inner water chamber through the lower inner part of the mould body to direct flow therethrough upon an ingot exiting from the mould near its point of exit.
 4. The invention of claim 1 wherein the means of supplying water to the water chamber comprise: an input orifice, medially positioned in one end of the mould having a fixture for attachment to a source of water supply, communicating to the water chamber; and paired, opposed, elongate diverting vane releasably and adjustably positionable in the mould body to extend vertically upward in the medial part of the outer section of the water chamber to orient water flow thereabout to tend to equalize water pressures within the outer reservoir section of the water chamber.
 5. In a compound water cooled mould for continuous casting of metals, of the type having an annular water chamber divided by a perforated septum into inner and outer compartments, the invention comprising: paired, opposed annular septum shoulders extending about the medial portion of the annular water chamber with a flexIble, band-like, perforated septum extending therebetween to fit thereabout, the septum having means of releasably fastening its ends in adjacency to form a continuous annular band about the septum shoulders dividing the water chamber into two annular compartments.
 6. In a compound water cooled mould for the continuous casting of metals of the type having an annular water chamber divided by a perforated septum into inner dispersing section and outer reservoir section, the invention comprising: a coolant input communicating in the medial portion of one end of the mould to the outer reservoir section, and at least two, releasably positionable and adjustable diverting vanes extending from the mould structure vertically upward into the reservoir section with elongate vanes to divert the flow of water thereabout to tend to equalize fluid pressures within the reservoir section. 